Health Benefits of Adding Avocado to Your Diet

Avocado tastes great, and that is the primary reason why so many people use it in many of the meals they prepare. However, avocado also has some great health benefits, too, making it one of the best health investments you can make at the grocers.

For starters, avocado has positive effects on the heart as well as on the mammary glands, and researchers believe that this is helpful in preventing some types of cancer such as breast cancer.

Avocado is packed with nutrients and essential heart-healthy oils. You will find vitamin B6, vitamin K, copper, folic acid, potassium, vitamin C, Omega 3, and dietary fiber in your avocado. The oleic acid in the fruit has shown in studies to help reduce high levels of bad cholesterol. The potassium can help with heart disease prevention, high blood pressure, and stroke.

It is true that avocado contains fat, but the fat found in the fruit is monounsaturated. Monounsaturated fat is a good type of fat that can help to lower the cholesterol levels, so it’s actually a ‘good’ fat, so long as you don’t eat too much for it. As with all things, you will want to eat avocados in moderation. The same goes for products prepared with avocado, such as guacamole.

It is quite easy to add avocado to the meals that you prepare. You can add it to your salads and sandwiches, make an avocado dip, or even eat a slice or two on the side of your meal. Avocado goes well with fish, chicken, turkey, and many other healthy components that make for great meals.

When shopping for avocados at the Farmer’s Market or supermarket, choose avocados that have dark skins rather than light skins. A lime-green, bright skin with no ‘give’ in it is a sign that the avocado is nowhere near ripe yet. Also, the avocado should be firm yet slightly giving to the touch. Never buy them when they’re rock hard (unripe) or soft (over-ripe). 

For a delicious snack, slice up an avocado, remove the pit, and eat it fresh from the fridge with a liberal squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top. The acidic lime juice contrasts wonderfully with the soft, buttery taste of the avocado, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how flavorsome and filling this healthy snack is!